La Clase

ALVARO, PABLO, MIGUEL, ALEX, IGNACO, JAIME: LA CLASE!!!

I jumped sort of blindly into class. The first session started before I met the parents, Celia and Antonio. Celia was to tell me how she wanted to boys taught, so I winged it. And by winged it I mean we played games. I just asked the little dudes what they liked to do with their former tutors, and shocker, games are at the top.

Games are great ways to break the ice quickly with kids, get them laughing and get yourself laughing. They're also a harmless way to test the skills of the kids and gauge where they are with the language. Simon Says, Hangman. After busting the ice have a conversation. Get to know the kids, ask open ended questions, get them talking. This will further reveal their handle of the language. I now start every class with a little conversation, which will sometimes go the whole the class and I believe those are the best classes. Conversation is the best practice. Of course a threshold of knowledge of the language is required for a 45 minute conversation, but if you sense an organic conversation developing with a more learned kid don't cut it off! Have a plan for each class, but don't be afraid of improvisation. If the conversation ends, jump into your plan, but carry on that conversation for as long as it's lively.

Most importantly keep your kids entertained and occupied. A bored kid is a distracted kid. But it's going to happen. You can't expect to have every minute covered. Use these lulls for a bit of conversation or goofiness. They are kids after all.

Something I didn't expect was to be dreaded. You know, I am "La Clase" learning, work, and concentration: all things icky. After coming from summer camp where counselors are revered by the kids, it kind of sucked to be representing something they wanted no part in. This is why I try to have as much fun with them as possible. Play with them in the pool, get them laughing during class. I want to erode the mountain of time 45 minutes can seem to a kid right after school or in the middle of a summer day. They may never want to have class, but hopefully they'll want to hang out with you even if you make them *gasp* read and write.

Cinco cosas:

When you meet a girl in Spain kiss her once on each cheek.

When you become super close you level up to one kiss. You're so close one kiss is all you need.

When someone comes up to you laughing and mouth-sprinting in Spanish just laugh and say valevalevale hahaha sisi vale. If they ask a question which you know because they stopped talking and are looking at you say No se and run away.

Madrileños are super friendly!

Go to El Tigre. Get a pint of beer. Yes a pint. And a complimentarty heaping plate of tapas. For 6 euro.